Where are the women in politics?
Source: Dhaka Tribune
It is truly disheartening to observe the glaring absence of female candidates vying for political office in the upcoming general elections. Despite Bangladesh having been led at different times by two women since 1991 besides the years of the caretaker regime, the paltry representation of women remains a stark reminder of the uphill battle for true inclusivity.
The fact that only 128 female candidates are set to contest the election -- which makes it a truly laughable 4.71% of the total 2,713 candidates -- tells us that when it comes to women in politics, we have a long, long way to go.
When women are actively involved in the political sphere, policies are far more likely to address the myriad needs of society. Women bring diverse insights into all issues, from healthcare to education to social welfare; this diverse perspective is crucial for crafting holistic and effective policies that lead to a nation's success. With Bangladesh on the cusp of graduating from a least developed country to a middle-income economy, it is extremely unfortunate that, once again, the nation will be deprived of these perspectives.
Click here to read the full article published by the Dhaka Tribune on 7 December 2023.
It is truly disheartening to observe the glaring absence of female candidates vying for political office in the upcoming general elections. Despite Bangladesh having been led at different times by two women since 1991 besides the years of the caretaker regime, the paltry representation of women remains a stark reminder of the uphill battle for true inclusivity.
The fact that only 128 female candidates are set to contest the election -- which makes it a truly laughable 4.71% of the total 2,713 candidates -- tells us that when it comes to women in politics, we have a long, long way to go.
When women are actively involved in the political sphere, policies are far more likely to address the myriad needs of society. Women bring diverse insights into all issues, from healthcare to education to social welfare; this diverse perspective is crucial for crafting holistic and effective policies that lead to a nation's success. With Bangladesh on the cusp of graduating from a least developed country to a middle-income economy, it is extremely unfortunate that, once again, the nation will be deprived of these perspectives.
Click here to read the full article published by the Dhaka Tribune on 7 December 2023.